Robbie Keane targets managerial return after winning Israeli title

Harry Kane proves his critics wrong yet again with two majestic finishes to end Finland's stubborn resistance… while Lee Carsley couldn't be doing much more to impress, writes OLIVER HOLT
England 2-0 Finland PLAYER RATINGS: Who exploited space with a passing showreel? Which Three Lions star played within himself? And who looks at home in the shirt?
Roy Keane hails 'brilliant' Trent Alexander-Arnold and identifies the Liverpool star's unique quality as England cruise to victory over Finland at Wembley
Harry Kane fires back at his critics after England captain's superb finishes earned 2-0 win against Finland on his 100th cap
Ian Wright and Roy Keane heap praise on Angel Gomes' 'busy' England showing against Finland and insists the ex-Man United talent has given Lee Carsley a selection 'headache'
Matthijs de Ligt is taken off at half-time after 'unacceptable' mistake in Netherlands' draw with Germany as Man United defender's international break goes from bad to worse
The forgotten £200,000-a-week footballer: Inside what life's like for Ben Chilwell, the last star standing of Chelsea's bomb squad - and what comes next
Man City defender Nathan Ake is taken off on a stretcher in tears after suffering serious injury in Netherlands' Nations League clash with Germany
Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. to both score now 12/1 with Sky Bet - as Brazil look to find some much-needed form against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier
Mauricio Pochettino CONFIRMED as new USA manager as former Chelsea boss takes over from Gregg Berhalter
Former Championship player is handed 14-year prison sentence after sickening attack left two-year-old girl with brain injuries
Meet the F1 boffin who rakes in as much as Pep: Adrian Newey does all his designs in pencil and 'can see air'… now Aston Martin are paying him £20m-a-year
PLAY TEAMSHEET: Can you remember the Everton team that famously beat Liverpool 2-0 in October 2010?
Lee Carsley doesn't sing God Save the King AGAIN ahead of his first England match at Wembley... as the interim manager doubles down on his national anthem decision despite fan furore
MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Erik ten Hag draws up three-pronged plan to get out of the rut, former Red Devils captain risks wrath of club owners and latest on Antony's Old Trafford future
When MK Dons were created, they were hated. Two decades on it's worse... they're irrelevant, writes MATT BARLOW
THE NOTEBOOK: Wembley celebrates Sven-Goran Eriksson's life, Angel Gomes achieves rare feat and England's subs are put through rigorous half-time warm-up
Lee Carsley provides an update on Ben White's England future following victory over Finland - after Arsenal defender was again absent from Three Lions squad
Harry Kane is presented with his golden cap by fellow England centurion Frank Lampard as Three Lions captain makes his 100th appearance against Finland
Premier League panel issue final ruling on Declan Rice's red card against Brighton - after Mikel Arteta said he was 'amazed' Arsenal star was sent off
Arsenal fans label it a 'joke' as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are named in England starting XI again... one day after Martin Odegaard's injury added to early season problems
The book that every Munich or Hillsborough 'tragedy chanter' should read before spewing their hate, writes IAN HERBERT
Chelsea 'hold talks over building a new ground at Earls Court instead of renovating Stamford Bridge amid power struggle' - before company in charge of site respond
Revealed: The TWO Barcelona team-mates whose behaviour 'disappointed Ilkay Gundogan during his stint at Catalan club' - after midfielder's shock return to Man City

Keane was appointed as Maccabi Tel Aviv boss on a two-year deal last June
The former Tottenham forward led the club to a first league title since 2020
Keane had requested for the Israeli side not to extend his deal for a second year

Published: 11:03 EDT, 30 July 2024 | Updated: 11:50 EDT, 30 July 2024

e-mail

Robbie Keane is targeting a quick return to management after the former Tottenham star opted to end his successful spell in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane had taken over as manager of the Israeli Premier League side last June, signing a two-year deal.

The 44-year-old was appointed after Maccabi Tel Aviv had finished third the previous season, finishing 10 points behind champions Maccabi Haifa.

It marked Keane's first permanent managerial position, having briefly taken temporary charge of Indian Super League side ATK for three games in 2018.

Keane had worked as assistant manager under Mick McCarthy with the Republic of Ireland, before taking on the same role at Middlesbrough and Leeds.

Robbie Keane is targeting a swift return to management after leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv

Former Tottenham star Keane was appointed as Maccabi Tel Aviv boss last year

The former Premier League striker led Maccabi Tel Aviv to their first title since 2020, ending Maccabi Haifa's run of three consecutive Israeli Premier League triumphs.

Keane's side finished seven points clear, winning the league with two rounds of matches to spare, while Maccabi Tel-Aviv also lifted the Toto Cup in January.

The former Tottenham and Liverpool forward's record of 2.30 points per game currently ranks as the highest of the current managers out of work.

Keane also guided Maccabi Tel-Aviv to the last-16 of the Europa Conference League, eventually suffering a 7-5 defeat after extra-time to the competition's eventual winners Olympiacos.

The success came despite Keane and his coaching staff having been forced to shelter in a panic room, before escaping Israel via Greece, in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 last year.

Keane and his staff had worked remotely during the suspension of domestic football, before returning at the start of December.

Following a single season in charge, Keane requested that his option to extend his deal for a second year was not exercised.

'It has been a tough decision for me to leave Maccabi Tel Aviv FC,' Keane said in a statement last month. 'I would like to thank the Owner, all the players, coaches and the fans for making this an unforgettable season.

Keane led the club to their first Israeli Premier League title since 2020 with two games to spare

Maccabi Tel Aviv issued a thank you message to Keane and his staff after his departure

Keane had requested for the option to extend his deal for a second year not to be exercised

'I am very proud of everything we have achieved together as a team and most proud of the hard work and dedication which resulted in winning the Championship and Toto cup.

'Wishing everyone involved at the club all the best for the Champions League and season ahead.'

Maccabi’s owner Mitch Goldhar had praised Keane and his staff for 'faithfully fulfilling their duties under difficult circumstances' and said they would 'always be connected through the challenging and successful 2023/24 campaign.'

Keane's coaching staff of Rory Delap, Dave Sarachan, Mike Stowell and Phillip Hudson also decided to leave the club with the former Republic of Ireland international.